Is Artificial Light Causing Your Sleeping Problems?

Sleep difficulties can occur for a number of reasons; however, a growing body of evidence suggests that technology might play a role in this growing problem. Research suggests that exposure to artificial light from iPads, smartphones and televisions could trigger the brain to release stress hormones that keep us awake when we should be sleeping. What’s more, these same hormones have been shown to promote depression, anxiety and potential health problems down the road.

The following video from Johns Hopkins University details a recent study conducted by school researchers that seems to highlight this effect. To reach their findings, the researchers exposed mice to bright, artificial lights 3.5 hours after sunset. Ultimately, this resulted in behaviors that seemed to indicate depression. To learn more about the study, view the video clip below.

This isn't the first study to demonstrate that light can have a negative effect on a body's natural functioning. In fact, research has become so compelling, the American Medical Association decided to recognize exposure to light at night as having a strong link to sleep disruptions, cancer and dangerous driving.

What if You Have Sleep Apnea?

The average person can promote better sleep by avoiding artificial light within a few hours of bedtime. Sadly, this isn't the case for sleep apneics, who owe their sleeping problems to breathing disruptions that awaken them multiple times each night.